2011-2012 Contract Signing

What a wonderful and moving evening!

It was great to see all of our incoming students accepting their responsibility of maintaining a 2.5 GPA, staying crime and drug free and meeting with their assigned mentor weekly. 

I believe one highlight of the night was seeing the emotion on T.J. Mill's family as Lisa Bechtold, Take Stock in Children executive director announced all 14 of our Emma E. Booker students would be receiving the T.J. Mills Memorial Scholarship. The testimonies from T.J.'s mentor, Eric Dunn and childhood friend, Terrance Gillam brought tears to many eyes.

Another TSIC first was the tradition of signing a class pledge. After the students received their certificates, they all agreed to sign a pledge in honor of the three main principles of Take Stock in Children. This pledge will be hung in the TSIC office and presented again at Celebration of Hope when the students graduate from high school.

View 2011-2012 Contract Signing Photos

Flash Mob Continues...

Do you remember our Flash Mob in August at the Van Wezel Friday Fest?

It has done more brand awareness for Take Stock then we could have ever imagined! 

Check out the series of events since:

1. TSIC was asked by the Cat Depot to perform at their event in October. (Unfortunately we were just too busy at that time to participate)

2. In December, TSIC joined the Observer and performed our Flash Mob with numerous students and supporters at the Sarasota Christmas Parade.

3. Just this past month, I received a phone call from the Non-Profit Times in New Jersey about our Flash Mob!!

4. AND now we've been asked to do our Flash Mob for a wedding on Anna Maria Island in June. (Thoughts!?)

WOW!

* To join us for our next flash mob, please click HERE.

A little bit of wine and go-karts?

Last night, Take Stock doubled up on South and North county events!

Stephanie and I headed out to Livingston's Amusement Center for our Mentor & Mentee Mixer. 

The evening started with some fun "get-to-know-you" games that quickly caused an abundance of laughter between the students and mentors. After the students received their game cards - they were off! The boys ran right to the Go-Kart line and had a blast competing against their mentors. I had the privilege of attempting DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) with Le'Asia McNeal. 

During our raffle drawing we gave away a $50 gift certificate to A. Parker's Books! Thank you A. Parker's Books for instilling the need to read in our youth.

I loved seeing the interaction between the mentors and mentees. We are so thankful for our mentors! Stay tuned for our next event. :) 

Down in Venice, Lisa and Candice made their way to La Dolce Vita. This fabulous wine bar was kind enough to host a wine tasting for TSIC supporters. South Sarasota is often a place we neglect so it was great to have a presence there. Thank you to our Venice crew! We will see you all again soon.


- Dana Bakich

Follow me @TSIChildrenSRQ

dana@takestocksarasota.org

CAR TAGGING WINNERS

We love the creativity that everyone put into our CAR TAGGING CONTEST. Our Top 3 winners are:

1st Place: Isaiah Muhammad - We really liked the originality and extra effort with the clown on top! Great Job!

 2nd Place: Kevin Angell - Mentor on Board! Ah, this was awesome! We love seeing our mentors so proud of what they do with TSIC.

3rd Place: Candice McLeod - We're all about stepping up the social media presence. This was a great car to spread awareness into the community! 

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Cruizers Express Car Wash

Stardust 

Walmart

It's About Time We Posted!

Since it's still January, it's still OK to say, "Happy New Year!"

TSIC has been moving full force into the New Year and can't wait to share all of our exciting events with YOU!  Make sure to follow our Facebook page and tune into the emails that stroll into your inbox. They have very timely and important information. 

This lovely Monday morning, the TSIC team will be selecting our Car Tagging Contest Winner. Check out these two great entries!

Check in later to see who won!

Jasmine Robinson

We're 1/3 of the way to our goal for $30K in 30 Days!! The second student I want to introduce you to is my mentee, Jasmine Robinson. She is an outstanding girl and I'm so proud to be her Mentor. 

 

Jasmine Robinson

Middle School: Booker Will Graduate: 2017

 

 

 (Jasmine is the one with pigtails :D ) 

"When I grow up I want to be a nurse because I love taking care of people. My hopes and dreams are to go to college and have a successful life. "

 

This is Jasmine's first year in TSIC! She was one of the T.J. Mills Memorial Scholarship recipients from Emma E. Booker Elementary. She has been a trooper this year! From climbing the Alpine Tower at the YMCA to receiving outstanding first semester grades, Jasmine is excelling in 6th grade. She enjoys playing basketball in her free time and volunteers for many Take Stock events.

 

Favorite subjects: Reading

 

 

 

To donate to 30K in 30 Days, please click here.